ADAK responds to Edward Zakayo’s outburst after alleged mistreatment in doping case
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 07.10.25. | 15:11
The agency further reiterated its commitment to clean sport, fairness, and integrity, warning the public and media to avoid spreading unverified claims that could undermine confidence in Kenya’s anti-doping system
The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) has dismissed claims made by 2018 World U20 5000m champion Edward Zakayo Pingua, who recently accused the agency of mishandling his disciplinary case and destroying his career.
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In a detailed statement released on Monday, 6 October, ADAK termed Zakayo’s social media post titled “Why I Left Athletics” as misleading and inaccurate, insisting that all procedures in his case followed international anti-doping standards and Kenyan law.
“The claims misrepresent the facts, the procedures followed, and the integrity with which all anti-doping cases are managed in Kenya,” ADAK, in a statement signed by acting CEO Peninah Wahome, wrote.
The agency emphasised that all Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) cases are handled in compliance with the Anti-Doping Act (2016), ADAK Anti-Doping Rules, the World Anti-Doping Code, and International Standards for Results Management (ISRM).
According to ADAK, Zakayo’s case was heard and determined by the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) on Thursday, 8 May. The Tribunal confirmed two missed tests (on February 3 and April 3, 2024) and one filing failure in the first quarter of 2024.
Although Zakayo explained that the loss of his mobile phone limited his access to the ADAMS system, where athletes update their whereabouts for out-of-competition testing, the tribunal ruled that such an explanation did not absolve him of responsibility.
“Maintaining accurate whereabouts remains the athlete’s responsibility under the strict-liability framework,” ADAK stated.
The agency added that Zakayo was formally notified, provisionally suspended according to procedure, and allowed to respond and be heard.
The SDT’s written decision, ADAK noted, included a right of appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland.
ADAK also dismissed allegations of intimidation or harassment, saying that all interactions with athletes are documented and conducted under the law. The body also urged athletes to report any individuals who falsely claim to represent ADAK.
“ADAK denies any form of harassment, intimidation, or unauthorised visits to any athlete’s home or premises,” the agency clarified.
The agency further distanced itself from Athletics Kenya and athlete managers, stating that its work is independent and guided solely by scientific evidence and verified laboratory results.
While acknowledging the emotional toll disciplinary processes may take on athletes, ADAK said such distress cannot replace compliance with established anti-doping rules.
“Emotional distress, while deeply regrettable, cannot replace the requirement for adherence to testing procedures and due process under the law,” ADAK stated.
The agency further reiterated its commitment to clean sport, fairness, and integrity, warning the public and media to avoid spreading unverified claims that could undermine confidence in Kenya’s anti-doping system.
Zakayo’s side of the story
In his emotional account shared earlier this week, Zakayo maintained that he was suspended not for doping but for what he described as “a simple, human mistake.”
He said he lost his phone after a race in Spain in November 2023, which left him unable to access his ADAMS account, the platform used by athletes to update their whereabouts.
“My only mistake was losing my phone, a mistake any human being can make. But because I am poor and have no one powerful behind me, they destroyed me,” Zakayo said.
He recounted travelling to Nairobi several times without money to plead his case, describing the experience as humiliating and painful.
Despite his frustrations, Zakayo insisted he has never used banned substances and says his suspension has left him struggling to support his family, including his pregnant wife and siblings.
“Athletics is sweet, full of opportunities. But behind it, there are snakes, officials who eat from our sweat, who smile at us in public but stab us in secret,” he said.
